Stefon Diggs, the veteran wide receiver who remains unsigned after being released by the New England Patriots in March, is making a bold case for his value as he searches for a new NFL home. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Diggs declared that no team has a better No. 2 receiver than him, a statement that comes as training camps are set to open across the league at the end of the month.
«Everybody got a 1,» Diggs said in the video. «Opportunities aside, people might say there's seven real 1s. In my opinion, I can compete with anybody, but take those as your 1s. You can't name a No. 2 better than me. There's not a No. 2 on a team. Let's presumably give people the credit and just say, 'OK, you want to take the No. 1 spot away.' Name your No. 2 receiver right now. Tell me how much he makes. My last question is: Is he better than me?»
The 32-year-old wideout is entering his 12th NFL season after spending the 2024 campaign with the Patriots, a year that ended with a Super Bowl LX loss. Despite the team's struggles, Diggs posted solid numbers: 1,013 receiving yards on 85 catches and 102 targets, with four touchdowns from rookie quarterback Drake Maye. It marked his seventh 1,000-yard season in the last eight years, a streak that underscores his consistency even as he ages.
Diggs acknowledged that being a No. 2 option likely means accepting a reduced role and potentially a lower salary, but he expressed willingness to take a pay cut to join a contender. «I can compete with anybody,» he reiterated, framing himself as a player who could help a team reach the playoffs and compete for a Super Bowl. However, no team has signed him yet, raising questions about what factors are keeping him on the market.
One possible factor is the legal trouble Diggs faced in December, when he was charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault following a dispute with his private chef. A jury found him not guilty on all charges, and the NFL closed its review of the matter in May, stating there was insufficient evidence to warrant a suspension under the league's personal conduct policy. Diggs' attorney, Mitch Schuster of Meister, Seelig & Schuster, said after the verdict that «professional athletes have a target on their back,» emphasizing that the legal process had cleared his client.
Despite the legal resolution, the Patriots released Diggs in March, making him a free agent. He has been staying in shape and working out while waiting for an opportunity. Several teams have been mentioned as potential fits, including the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and even a reunion with the Buffalo Bills, where Diggs earned four straight Pro Bowl selections from 2020 to 2023 while building a strong rapport with quarterback Josh Allen.
Diggs' career includes stints with the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2015, and the Bills, where he became one of the league's most productive receivers. His tenure in Buffalo ended in a trade to the Patriots in 2024, a move that surprised many but was driven by salary cap considerations and a desire for a fresh start. Now, as he approaches his 12th season, Diggs is trying to prove he still has plenty left to offer.
The wide receiver market this offseason has been slow for veterans, with several established players still unsigned as camps near. Diggs' confidence in his abilities is clear, but teams may be weighing his age, recent production, and off-field history. His 1,013-yard season in New England showed he can still produce, but his role as a No. 2 receiver could limit his market, as many teams already have established top targets.
Diggs' statement about being the best No. 2 receiver is a direct challenge to other free agents and current players in similar roles. He pointed to his production and experience as evidence, arguing that few backups can match his resume. «Name your No. 2 receiver right now,» he said. «Tell me how much he makes. Is he better than me?»
As training camps begin, Diggs remains a notable name on the free agent market. His willingness to accept a supporting role could make him an attractive option for a team needing depth or a veteran presence. Whether his confidence translates into a contract remains to be seen, but Diggs is making sure teams know what they would be getting.
